JP3451240B2 - Toner cartridge - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner cartridge applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile and a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A toner cartridge having a conveying spiral and a stirring paddle in a main body has been proposed. In this type of toner cartridge, the toner stored in the main body is agitated by rotating the agitating paddle to prevent the toner from being naturally agglomerated without being agitated for a long time. The agitated toner is transported to the outlet by the transport spiral and supplied to the developing device.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned toner cartridge, the toner around the rotating stirring paddle is stirred, but the stirring action is insufficient for the toner in the corners of the main body or in the portions where the stirring paddle does not reach. In some cases, a part of the toner remained in the main body and the toner was not completely supplied. This invention was made under such a background.
An object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge that can supply the toner in the main body without remaining.

Further, the present invention provides a toner cartridge having a conveying spiral and a stirring paddle in the main body, the stirring paddle agitates the toner in the main body, and the agitated toner is conveyed by the conveying spiral without remaining. The purpose is to do. A further object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge in which the toner inside the main body does not block or aggregate.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
According to the invention described above, in a toner cartridge having a stirring paddle for stirring the toner in the main body, a vibrating plate which is acted by the stirring paddle and assists in stirring the toner is provided , and the vibrating plate is elastic and flexible. Long-lasting
It is a thin plate that is curved near the center in the longitudinal direction, with both ends
The toner cartridge is characterized in that it is fixed to the main body in a superposed state . From claim 2
Akira, the diaphragm is pressed against the inner surface of the body,
Claims characterized by being arranged in a bent state
The toner cartridge according to Item 1. Claim 3
According to the invention, the above-mentioned vibration plate has the
It has a special opening for dropping the
The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner cartridge is a characteristic. The invention according to claim 4 is any one of claims 1 to 3.
In the toner cartridge according to any one of the above, in the main body, there is a region where the stirring action of the stirring paddle is not exerted,
The toner cartridge is characterized in that a vibration plate is provided in that area.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
The toner cartridge according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the main body has a top plate, and the vibration plate is fixed to the top plate.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
The toner cartridge according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the vibrating plate is repelled by the rotation of the stirring paddle, and the toner is agitated by the repelled vibrating plate. According to the first to third aspects , the vibrating plate assists the stirring of the toner in the main body, so that the stable toner supply can be performed. Also, bend the diaphragm
By applying repulsive force to the diaphragm, the stirring effect can be enhanced.
You can According to the structure of claim 4 , the toner in the region where the stirring action of the stirring paddle is not exerted can be stirred by the vibrating plate, and the blocking of the toner can be prevented. Therefore, the amount of toner remaining in the main body can be reduced.

According to the structure of claim 5 , the diaphragm can be easily arranged in the main body only by attaching the top plate to which the diaphragm is fixed to the container. Therefore, there are few assembly mistakes when assembling. According to the configuration of claim 6 , the vibration plate can be moved by utilizing the rotation of the stirring paddle, and the toner in the main body can be efficiently and sufficiently stirred with a simple structure.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen obliquely from above. Toner cartridge 1
Is for replenishing toner, for example, is attached to a developing device in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and supplies toner to the developing device at any time.

The toner cartridge 1 has a main body 23 for containing toner. The main body 23 is composed of a box-shaped container 2 having an open top and a top plate 14, and a recess is formed near one side surface 2b (on the left rear side in FIG. 1). The top plate 14 covers the opening on the upper surface of the container 2,
The container 2 is fitted from above. The top plate 14 is the container 2
Is formed to be slightly larger than the opening on the upper surface of and is arranged at a position facing the opening. On the bottom surface of the container 2, for example, in the vicinity of the side surface 2b, there is provided an ejection portion 3 for dropping the toner in the main body 23 to the developing device. A take-out port 3a is formed on the upper surface of the take-out portion 3 and communicates with the opening formed on the bottom surface of the container 2.

The toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus in the right rear direction shown in FIG. When the image forming apparatus is operated after mounting, the toner in the main body 23 is conveyed to the take-out section 3 and dropped to the developing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the toner cartridge 1 viewed from directly above with the top plate 14 removed. Further, FIG. 3 shows the stirring paddle 5
It is the perspective view which looked at from diagonally above. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 2 of the toner cartridge 1 has a container 2
A conveying spiral 4 for conveying the toner contained therein and a stirring paddle 5 for stirring the toner are arranged in a state of extending in parallel with each other.

The transport spiral 4 has a rotary shaft 6. The rotation shaft 6 is provided from the side surface 2a to the side surface 2b of the container 2.
It has a long columnar shape extending up to. From the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 6 of the conveying spiral 4, a spiral blade 7 for conveying the toner in the container 2 in the direction of the outlet 3a is extended along the rotating shaft 6. This spiral blade 7 has a rotating shaft 6
In the longitudinal direction, the spiral shape extends continuously at a constant pitch. The stirring paddle 5 includes a rotating shaft 8. The rotating shaft 8 of the stirring paddle 5, like the rotating shaft 6 of the transport spiral 4, is a long columnar shape extending from the side surface 2 a to the side surface 2 b of the container 2. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 6 of the conveying spiral 4 and the rotating shaft 8 of the stirring paddle 5 have substantially the same outer shape. From the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 8 of the stirring paddle 5, a stirring blade 9 for stirring the toner in the container 2 is provided.
Are projected from the rotary shaft 8. This stirring blade 9
Are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft 8. However, the container 2 has a concave portion in the vicinity of the side surface 2b, and in the vicinity of the concave portion, there is a region in which the stirring blade 9 cannot be arranged. Therefore, the stirring paddle 5 has a side surface 2b.
A range 15 in which the stirring blade 9 cannot be arranged near one end on the side and a range 16 in which the stirring blade 9 can be arranged except the range 15 exist in the longitudinal direction. Spiral blades 7 may be provided on the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 8 within the non-arrangeable range 15.

In this embodiment, six stirring blades 9 are provided, and the six stirring blades 9 are composed of three pairs. The pair of stirring blades 9 face each other at 180 °, and the three pairs of stirring blades 9 are arranged at every 60 ° when viewed in the cross-sectional direction of the rotary shaft 8. Each stirring blade 9 has a support arm 10 and a blade 11 supported by the support arm 10. The support arm 10 is composed of two leg portions 17 and a connecting portion 18 thereof, and both ends of the connecting portion 18 are connected to one ends of the leg portions 17, respectively. Leg 17
The other ends of are connected to the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 8 and project perpendicularly to the peripheral surface. The blade 11 is, for example, a thin plate, and its width is substantially the same as the length of the connecting portion 18. The blade 11 has one side thereof connected to the connecting portion 18 of the support arm 10 at a constant angle and is held at a constant distance from the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 8. Therefore, when the stirring paddle 5 is rotated to stir the toner in the container 2, the toner is not accumulated and aggregated between the rotating shaft 8 and the stirring blade 9. The constituent members of the stirring paddle 5 described above may be integrally formed of, for example, a relatively strong polypropylene synthetic resin. However, the stirring blade 9 is not limited to this shape, number and material.

In the area 15 where the stirring blade 9 of the stirring paddle 5 cannot be arranged, the spiral blade 7 is provided, but since the stirring blade 9 is not provided, the stirring action of the toner in this area is not good. It may be enough. Therefore, the vibration plate 19 is provided in a region where the stirring blade 9 cannot be arranged. The vibrating plate 19 is arranged so as to come into contact with a part of the stirring blade 9 closest to the side surface 2b, and the stirring paddle 5 rotates to cause the stirring blade 9 to repel the vibration plate 19 to repel the vibrating plate. The toner is agitated by 19. The vibrating plate 19 can agitate the toner in the region where the agitating action of the agitating paddle 5 does not reach, and it is possible to prevent blocking in which the toner naturally solidifies without being agitated for a long time.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of how the diaphragm 19 is attached to the top plate 14. The diaphragm 19 is
For example, it is a long thin plate-like member made of polyethylene terephthalate synthetic resin and has elasticity and flexibility.
The diaphragm 19 is attached to the lower surface of the top plate 14 near the recess forming side. FIG. 4A is a plan view showing a state where only one end of the diaphragm 19 is attached to the lower surface of the top plate 14. FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a state in which the diaphragm 19 is curved from the state of FIG. 4A and the other end of the diaphragm 19 is attached to the lower surface of the top plate 14. In addition, FIG. 5 shows an arrow A in FIG.
It is sectional drawing of the attachment part of the diaphragm 19 seen along -A. In FIG. 4, for example, three protrusions 20a, 20b, 20c are formed at the position where the diaphragm 19 is attached on the lower surface of the top plate 14 in order from one end of the top plate 14 on the recess forming side.
With reference to FIG. 5, the protrusion 20a has a cylindrical body portion, and a cylindrical head portion having a slightly larger outer diameter than the body portion is formed at the tip thereof. The protrusion 20c has a length substantially equal to that of the protrusion 20a, and has a shape with a slightly larger outer diameter.
Similarly, a cylindrical body and a cylindrical head are formed at the tip thereof. The protrusion 20b has a cylindrical shape that is substantially the same as the body of the protrusion 20a and has no head.

At one end of the diaphragm 19, the protrusions 20a, 20
3 mounting holes for mounting to b and 20c respectively
1a, 21b, 21c are formed. Protrusion 2 of FIG.
With reference to the enlarged view near 0a, the mounting hole 21a is
0a, which is slightly larger than the plane shape of the body and slightly smaller than the plane shape of the head, and 9 at the edge of the circular opening.
It consists of four semi-circular openings formed every 0 °.
When fitting the mounting hole 21a into the protrusion 20a, the mounting hole 2
1a is pressed against the protrusion 20a and the edge of the mounting hole 21a is elastically deformed so that the head of the protrusion 20a passes through and is inserted into the body. The mounting hole 21c has a slightly larger shape than the mounting hole 21a.
It is fitted by pressing 1c against the protrusion 20c. The mounting hole 21b is a circular opening slightly larger than the protrusion 20b and is inserted into the protrusion 20b.

At the other end of the diaphragm 19, mounting holes 21a, 2a,
Mounting holes 24a, 24 having the same shape as 1b, 21c, respectively
b and 24c are formed. The diaphragm 19 is curved in the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction, and the mounting holes 24a, 24b, and 24c have the projections 2 similar to the mounting holes 21a, 21b, and 21c.
It is fitted in 0a, 20b, 20c, respectively. By bending the diaphragm 19, a repulsive force is applied to the diaphragm 19,
The stirring effect can be enhanced. Protrusions 20a and 20
The head formed at the end of c has the state shown in FIG. 4A due to the elasticity of the diaphragm 19 from the state shown in FIG. 4B in which the diaphragm 19 is bent and fitted into the mounting holes 24a and 24c. The mounting holes 24a and 24c
It is to prevent the respective a and 20c from coming off. Further, the protrusion 20b has mounting holes 21b and 24
It is for preventing the diaphragm 19 from being displaced in the horizontal direction by inserting the diaphragm 19b into the plate. As described above, in this embodiment, the projections 20a, 20b, 20c are formed on the lower surface of the top plate 14.
If it is integrally formed, the diaphragm (19) can be easily attached without requiring any component other than the diaphragm 19. Therefore, there are few assembly mistakes when assembling. However, the protrusions 20a, 20b, 20c, the mounting holes 21a, 21
The numbers b and 21c and the mounting holes 24a, 24b, and 24c are not limited to the above numbers and shapes. Diaphragm 19
Is not limited to the above attachment method, and may be directly welded to the lower surface of the top plate 14, for example. In the present embodiment, the heads are provided on the protrusions 20a and 20c so that the diaphragm 19 does not come off. However, the heads are not provided on the protrusions 20a and 20c, and the mounting hole 21a of the diaphragm 19 is provided. , 21c and the mounting holes 24a, 24c are made slightly smaller than the planar shape of the body of the projections 20a, 20c, so that the mounting holes 21a, 21c and the mounting holes 24a, 24c are attached to the body of the projections 20a, 20c.
You may make it lock | engage in the form which each opening edge part presses.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the agitating mode of the vibrating plate 19 as seen from the side surface 2b side. In FIG. 6, the vibration plate 19 attached to the lower surface of the top plate 14 is pressed against the inner surface of the container 2 on the front side when the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus in the vicinity of the side surface 2b of the container 2. , Are arranged in a bent state. Therefore, the diaphragm 19
Toner easily accumulates in the curved portion near the center of the. In the vicinity of the center of the diaphragm 19 in the longitudinal direction, the diaphragm 19
Opening 2 for dropping the toner accumulated on top
2 may be formed (FIG. 4). The opening 22 is the diaphragm 1
The toner accumulated on 9 can be dropped sufficiently,
In addition, the shape is not limited to this as long as the diaphragm 19 can be provided with a repulsive force sufficient for the stirring action, and another shape may be used.

In this embodiment, when the rotating shaft 8 is rotated, the blade 11 of the stirring blade 9 closest to the side surface 2b of the plurality of stirring blades 9 reciprocates the diaphragm 19 for each revolution. Exercise 19 Therefore, the side surface 2b
Only aspects of the stirring blade 9 and the diaphragm 19 closest to the side will be described. A mode in which the vibration plate 19 is moved by the stirring paddle 5 will be sequentially described with reference to FIGS.

(A) Before the stirring blade 9 comes into contact with the vibration plate 19, the vibration plate 19 is arranged in a state of being supported by the rotary shaft 8 of the stirring paddle 5. (B) When the stirring blade 9 comes into contact with the diaphragm 19, the diaphragm 19
Are lifted while being rubbed against the side surface of the blade 11 of the stirring blade 9. (C) The diaphragm 19 is lifted to the highest position on the tip side of the blade 11.

(D) The stirring blade 9 and the vibrating plate 19 separate from each other, and the vibrating plate 19 returns to its original position due to its elasticity. Further, since the diaphragm 19 is attached in a slightly twisted state as shown in FIG. 4, for example, one thin plate-like diaphragm is simply linear when only one end is attached to the lower surface of the top plate 14. Unlike simple repetitive motions, it draws more complicated trajectories. Specifically, the diaphragm 19 is lifted while being slightly displaced in the direction of the side surface 2b, and after the diaphragm 19 is separated from the stirring blade 9, the diaphragm 19 gradually returns to the side surface 2a side due to its elasticity, Return to the original position.

By a series of movements of the vibrating plate 19 as described above, the toner in the region in the main body 23 where the stirring blade 9 cannot be arranged can be sufficiently stirred. Therefore, blocking of the toner in this area can be prevented, and the toner can be conveyed without remaining. The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen obliquely from above.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the toner cartridge as viewed from directly above with the top plate removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stirring paddle as viewed from diagonally above.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of how the diaphragm is attached to the top plate.

5 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion of the diaphragm seen along the arrow AA in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a stirring mode of the diaphragm viewed from one side surface side.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 toner cartridge 2 containers 4 Conveyor spiral 5 stirring paddles 6 Rotating axis (of transport spiral) 7 spiral blades 8 Rotating shaft (of stirring paddle) 9 stirring blades 14 Top plate 19 diaphragm 23 body

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Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A toner cartridge having a stirring paddle for toner agitation in the body, is acted upon by the mixing paddle, be provided with a diaphragm to assist in agitation of the toner, the diaphragm is elastic and flexible Long thin plate with elasticity
The shape is curved near the center in the longitudinal direction and both ends are overlapped.
A toner cartridge characterized in that it is fixed to the main body in a folded state . 2. Press the diaphragm against the inner surface of the body.
And is arranged in a bent state.
The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein 3. The vibration plate is
An opening for dropping the toner
The toner cartridge according to claim 1 or 2,
J. 4. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a region where the stirring action of the stirring paddle is not present exists in the main body, and the region is provided with a vibration plate. Toner cartridge characterized by. 5. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a top plate, and the vibrating plate is fixed to the top plate. . 6. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, playing the vibrating plate by the agitating paddle is rotated,
A toner cartridge in which toner is agitated by a vibrating plate that is repelled.